Thinking About a Shed for Your Concord Backyard?

If you’ve got lawn tools piling up or that mower squeezing into the garage with barely an inch to spare, a backyard shed in Concord NC might seem like the perfect solution. Maybe you’ve even started looking at different styles or colors. But—before you get too far along—there’s something to check first.

In many Concord neighborhoods like Laurel Park, Christenbury, Cannon Crossing, Moss Creek, Wellington Chase, The Woodlands, and Skybrook, there’s a Homeowners Association (HOA) keeping an eye on what gets built. And yes, that includes sheds.

Why the HOA Has a Say in Your Backyard Shed

You’d think a shed is your call—after all, it’s your backyard. But your HOA? They’re all about keeping the neighborhood looking consistent. They’re not just handling the front entrance landscaping or community pool upkeep. They also make sure home projects—like new fences, exterior paint jobs, or that new shed you’re thinking about—fit with the overall style of the neighborhood.

It’s not about making things difficult. Their goal is to protect everyone’s property value and avoid situations where one house has a bright red metal shed sitting front and center while everyone else’s backyard blends in.

That’s why they set rules on shed size, materials, colors, and where it can sit in your yard.

Before You Build: Start with HOA Approval

Here’s where a lot of people trip up. They get excited, find the perfect shed, and maybe even start laying down the foundation—only to get a letter from the HOA telling them it has to come down. That’s an expensive mistake.

Instead, check in with your HOA early. Every association is different. Some might be okay with just a quick application, while others could require detailed plans. Expect questions like:

  • How big is the shed?
  • Where on your property will it sit?
  • What materials and colors are you using?

Your HOA wants to make sure the shed complements your home and doesn’t block anyone’s view or encroach on shared spaces.

Don’t Forget the City Permit

HOA approval isn’t the only thing you need. Once they give you the green light, you’ll also need a building permit from the City of Concord. This ensures your shed is built safely and meets local construction codes.

Permits cover things like:

  • Structural safety – making sure the shed can stand up to North Carolina weather
  • Fire regulations
  • Utility line clearance – you don’t want to accidentally build over a gas or water line

If you skip this step, you could be hit with fines or be forced to stop construction altogether.

At Barnyard Utility Buildings, we help homeowners through this entire process, making sure all the paperwork and approvals are in order before we even break ground.

Know the Rules: Shed Size, Placement, and Design

Every HOA and city has its own rules about:

1. Shed Size and Placement

There’s no one-size-fits-all here. Your HOA might have limits on:

  • Total square footage
  • Maximum height
  • Setbacks – meaning how far the shed must be from property lines, fences, or other structures

Some HOAs even restrict sheds from being visible over backyard fences, so placement is key. The last thing you want is to put up a shed, only to realize it’s too close to the property line and needs to be moved—or worse, taken down.

2. Materials and Design

Think about it like this: if your house has a gray roof and white siding, the HOA probably doesn’t want a bright red metal shed sitting in your backyard. Many associations have rules about:

  • Approved siding materials (like wood, vinyl, or certain metals)
  • Roofing styles (maybe it needs to match the slope of your home’s roof)
  • Paint colors – typically, they’ll want neutral tones that match or complement your home

At Barnyard Utility Buildings, we offer a wide range of customizable options, so you don’t have to sacrifice style to meet the rules.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Shed Approved in Concord

Here’s how to make sure your shed project goes off without a hitch:

  1. Read Your HOA’s Guidelines: Get familiar with their rules on sheds. Take notes on any size, placement, or design restrictions.
  2. Create Your Plan: Decide on your shed’s dimensions, materials, colors, and where you want it to go.
  3. Submit Your Application: Most HOAs want detailed plans with a sketch of your property, showing exactly where the shed will sit.
  4. Get Written Approval: Once you’ve got the go-ahead from the HOA, apply for your city building permit.
  5. Schedule Your Build: After all the paperwork is done, it’s time to get started.

Need help? Barnyard Utility Buildings has worked with HOAs all across Concord. We know what they’re looking for and can help you navigate the process.

Avoid These Common Shed Mistakes

If you’ve never dealt with an HOA before, here are a few traps people fall into:

  • Skipping the HOA approval: Always get it in writing. Verbal OKs don’t count.
  • Using unapproved materials: Even if you love the look of corrugated metal, check to see if it’s allowed.
  • Ignoring setback rules: Placing your shed too close to your neighbor’s fence can land you in hot water.
  • Starting before permits are secured: It might seem like a formality, but it’s not. Wait until all the approvals are in hand.

Trusted by Concord HOAs

We’ve helped homeowners build HOA-compliant sheds in neighborhoods like:

  • Laurel Park
  • Christenbury
  • Cannon Crossing
  • Moss Creek
  • Wellington Chase
  • The Woodlands
  • Skybrook

Our experience with these communities means we know what works—and what won’t get approved.

Let’s Build Something That Works for You (and Your HOA)

Every homeowner has their own vision for what they need in a shed. Whether it’s a simple storage space or something a little more custom, we’ll help you bring that to life while making sure it meets your HOA’s and Concord’s requirements.

Contact Barnyard Utility Buildings today, and let’s get started on creating the perfect shed for your backyard.